1965

The Second Vatican Council: The Constitution on Divine Revelation (1965)

The Constitution on Divine Revelation provoked a fierce struggle between conservatives and progressives: the first, ultraconservative draft was rejected by more than 60% of the council fathers, and the final document was adopted by 2,344 votes to 6. Revelation is understood as the manifestation of God himself through inwardly connected deeds and words, and Christ as the Mediator and fullness of revelation. The Gospel is the sole source of saving truth, transmitted in two ways: through tradition and Scripture; the council took steps to avoid saying that tradition adds anything to Scripture and referred to Newman's teaching on development. The laity are urged to read the Bible and Catholics to cooperate with Protestants in translation, but the final norm remains the judgment of the infallible church, whose teaching office "is not above the Word of God but serves it."